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Skill Swaps: Trade What You Know, Learn Something New
Trivia: Which legendary broadcaster called Los Angeles Dodgers games from 1950 to 2016?
RetireHub
November 09, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Sunday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on Skill Swaps: Trade What You Know, Learn Something New, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🧹 40% OFF – Roborock Qrevo Robot Vacuum & Mop (CurvX Design, Smart Mapping, Anti-Tangle)
Tackle dust, dirt, and pet hair effortlessly with this powerful 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop. With smart carpet recognition, multi-level mapping, and a tangle-free brush, it navigates your home with precision and ease. Perfect for busy households or anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine with tech-savvy style.
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🥋 50% OFF – Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits (Criterion Collection, 7-Disc Blu-ray Set)
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Richard Turnbull This award-winning political thriller is a warning that the deepening inequality of American life could lead to cataclysmic results. |
 | By: Tess Rini Kate didn’t expect to trip into billionaire Marco’s arms in sunny Positano. As laughter, limoncello, and breathtaking Amalfi days draw them together, hidden secrets test their hearts. Will trust and love prevail? My Secret Positano is a heartwarming sweet romance. |
On this day in 1989, the Fall of the Berlin Wall began when East German officials unexpectedly opened border crossings, leading citizens to stream into West Berlin and eventually dismantle the wall. The event symbolized not only the collapse of the physical barrier between East and West, but also marked a pivotal turning point in the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
Skill Swaps: Trade What You Know, Learn Something New
In a world where learning never stops and connection matters more than ever, skill swaps are gaining popularity—especially among older adults looking to stay sharp, social, and budget-savvy. A skill swap is exactly what it sounds like: you teach someone something you know in exchange for learning something new from them. No money changes hands—just knowledge, community, and a healthy dose of curiosity.
Imagine teaching someone how to bake your famous banana bread in exchange for a beginner’s crochet lesson. Or offering a neighbor a tutorial on basic computer skills while they show you how to play the ukulele. These exchanges create a rich, meaningful way to build friendships and confidence—without the pressure of perfection or the cost of formal classes.
For retirees and semi-retirees, skill swaps can be especially powerful. They offer a way to stay mentally engaged and socially active while rediscovering long-held talents or uncovering hidden ones. They're also a great way to give back: sharing your skills can spark joy and empowerment in someone else, all while keeping your own brain in motion.
One of the most beautiful parts of skill swaps is that they honor lived experience. From gardening and genealogy to sewing and storytelling, older adults bring a wealth of know-how to the table. And chances are, someone out there is eager to learn exactly what you know—just as you might be ready to learn something completely different.
To get started, you can propose a swap with friends, neighbors, or members of your community center. Even better, create a little “swap board” (physical or digital) where people list what they can teach and what they want to learn. Before long, you may find yourself building a circle of learners and teachers who lift each other up in fun, creative, and meaningful ways.
In a time when so much is digital and distant, skill swaps bring back the joy of shared learning and in-person connection. It's not just about the skills—it's about the smiles, too.
What kind of skill would you most like to swap or learn? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What kind of puzzles do you enjoy the most?
Jigsaw puzzles came out on top in our recent poll, with 24% of respondents saying they’re their favorite brain workout. Word games like Wordle and Scrabble followed close behind at 20%, proving that wordplay still holds a special place in many hearts. Crosswords (18%), logic puzzles (11%), and number games like Sudoku (9%) also had solid followings—while 14% admitted they’re not really puzzle people. And a curious 5% said “other,” which makes us wonder... Rubik’s cubes? Riddles? Let us know!
TOP COMMENTS
“I enjoy Hangman, Coloring and Word Search.”
“I'm not a fan of Sudoku; I like all of the others.”
“I have a friend that does puzzles and shows them on fb . Gorgeous art! This is a great idea . So many people are lonely and everyone can do a puzzle !!”
“Jumble puzzle”
“Seek and find puzzles”
“Jigsaws, Crossword, Sudoku, Mahjong, Arrows, Number Match, Word with Friends, Solitaire. We were recently on a cruise and in the "Library" there were three jigsaw puzzles that were being worked on by a variety of cruisers during the entire cruise.”
“Trivia type puzzles ”
“Word find”
“We started doing puzzles last winter and we find it to be a very calming pastime. We also find that it allows us to either engage in conversation or just enjoy focusing on the task while listening to music.”
“All of the above. I do sudoku every day eating breakfast, gets me started.”
When One Door Closes… A New Chapter Begins
Faced with physical limitations and changing circumstances, Lily Bradshaw shares how she reframed her mindset by creating an “adventure book” filled with places she’s always wanted to visit—no matter how near or far. Rather than focusing on what she has lost, she highlights the hope and purpose found in exploring local treasures and cherishing life’s smaller journeys. Her message? Life isn’t over; it’s simply evolving—and the next opportunity is waiting just behind that closed door.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Hard launch
Meaning: A “hard launch” is when someone publicly and clearly introduces a new romantic partner—often on social media—leaving no ambiguity. It’s the opposite of a “soft launch,” which might include just a hand, a silhouette, or a vague reference.
In a sentence: “After months of hinting about her new beau, Julia posted a full holiday photo of the two of them holding hands by the tree—total hard launch!”
Good News of the Day
Winter Prep for Home & Garden: Smart Steps to Stay Cozy and Ready
As winter approaches, preparing your home and yard early can save you from last‑minute stress and chilly surprises. Begin by servicing your heating and air system, changing filters, and even reversing ceiling fans to circulate warm air—tasks that are far easier tackled in moderate temperatures. Weather‑proofing is key: inspect doors, windows, and seals for drafts, clear gutters and redirect downspouts away from the foundation, and winterize garden tools, equipment, and outdoor seating.
Beyond comfort and efficiency, don’t forget health and safety: check for attic vents that could let in pests seeking shelter, trim overhanging branches, and make sure snow shovels and ice‑melt are front‑of‑mind for icy walks. With these proactive steps, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is set to weather the cold months in style.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Which legendary broadcaster called Los Angeles Dodgers games from 1950 to 2016? |
Who originally recorded the 1967 duet “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”? |
What strait separates Spain and Morocco? |
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